Breast Cancer Conference Highlights

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 08 May 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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GENE SIGNATURE IDENTIFIES BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WHO WILL RESPOND TO CHEMOTHERAPY

Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict which breast cancer patients will respond well to treatment with epirubicin, a widely used form of chemotherapy. Although among the most effective chemotherapies in breast cancer, a small proportion of women suffer severe side-effects. By identifying those women who are most likely to benefit from treatment, doctors may be able to ensure fewer women are unnecessarily exposed to that risk. The new study shows that this goal can be achieved by developing more sophisticated ways to use older drugs.

GENE SIGNATURE PREDICTS GOOD OUTCOME IN BREAST CANCER

Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict an improved clinical outcome in patients with breast cancer, and which could help in the development of new targeted therapies. By analysing the expression of different genes induced by a specific mutation in a molecule called PIK3CA, a critical part of the pathway commonly deregulated in breast cancer, they found that these genes were correlated with an improved clinical outcome in over 1500 women with the disease.

GENETIC TEST REDUCES NEED FOR SECOND SURGERY IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

A new rapid test can confirm quickly and accurately that breast cancer has most likely not spread into adjacent lymph nodes, offering reassurance to patients and reducing the need for a second operation. The new technique allows you to make the diagnosis of micro metastases while the surgery is underway, meaning the patient does not have to suffer the disruption of undergoing another operation.

ANDROGEN-RECEPTOR: A NEW DRUG TARGET IN BREAST CANCER

New results may help scientists develop treatments for women with a type of breast cancer that currently does not respond to targeted therapies. Some cancers (triple-negative tumors) generally do not respond to receptor-targeted treatments. In recent years, scientists have begun looking for new targets in these "triple-negative" cancers. One that has been identified is the androgen-receptor.

Source:
ESMO Press Office
European Society for Medical Oncology